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Nutrition and acute schistosomiasis
E M Coutinho1, H S Ferreira, L P de Freitas
1Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhäes, FIOCRUZ, Recife, PE, Brasil.
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Schistosoma mansoni infection worsens malnutrition in mice fed a regional diet. This highlights the critical impact of parasitic diseases on nutritional status in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Parasitology
Background:
- Nutritional deficiency diseases and Schistosomiasis mansoni are prevalent in northeast Brazil.
- An experimental model for studying malnutrition and schistosomiasis interactions was established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a regional diet on protein-energy malnutrition in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni.
- To assess the impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection on protein utilization and absorption in undernourished mice.
Main Methods:
- Albino Swiss mice were fed a Regional Basic Diet (RBD) simulating human consumption in northeast Brazil.
- Mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni during the acute phase.
- Nitrogen balance studies and serum protein electrophoresis were conducted.
Main Results:
- The RBD negatively affected growth, food intake, and protein utilization in infected mice.
- Schistosoma mansoni infection did not affect protein intestinal absorption in well-nourished mice.
- RBD-fed infected mice exhibited the lowest protein absorption ratios, indicating aggravated nutritional status.
Conclusions:
- Superimposed Schistosoma mansoni infection exacerbates the nutritional status of undernourished hosts.
- Serum albumin levels may not be a reliable indicator of nutritional status in populations with both malnutrition and Schistosomiasis mansoni.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for public health interventions in endemic areas.